Sharper Image Reports Strong Finish for Christmas Sales

Sharper Image Corp.'s total company business for the five days ended Dec. 24 increased more than 10 percent from the same period last year, the San Francisco company said yesterday.

Excluding last year's phenomenal Razor Scooter sales, the increase in total business was even larger for this period, said Richard Thalheimer, founder, chairman and CEO.

"We're especially pleased that the increase in business is being accomplished with margins that are improved over last year," he said. "We have managed our inventories exceptionally well during what has generally been regarded as a difficult retail year. We believe this strong finish is a good indicator of the popularity of our products, and it is encouraging as we look forward to 2002.

"The Ionic Breeze Silent Air Purifier continued to be extraordinarily popular, both as a gift and as an item for the home. We also continued to strongly build our stereo business."

Products for personal care, grooming, home and women rounded out the sales of popular items.